Signature gathering machines



June 16, 1964 w. Q. PENDLEY 3,137,494

SIGNATURE GATHERING MACHINES Filed Nov. 29, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 a 24 1 us I '2 4 FIG. I

FIG. 2

INVENTOR.

WILLIAM Q. PEPDLEY &

ATTOI I! I June 1964 w. Q. PENDLEY SIGNATURE GATHERING MACHINES 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 29, 1956 INVENTOR.

FIG BY WILLIAM a. PENDLEY A-rrol mn FIG 4 June 16, 1964 w. Q. PENDLEY SIGNATURE GATHERING MACHINES 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 29, 1956 INVENTOR.

WILLIAM Q- PENDLEY ATTORNEY June 16, 1964 w. Q. PENDLEY 3,137,494

4 SIGNATURE GATHERING MACHINES Filed Nov. 29, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. WILLIAM Q- PENDLEY ATTORNEY June 16, 1964 w. Q. PENDLEY 3,137,494

SIGNATURE GATHERING MACHINES Filed Nov. 29, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 0 2 202, Q'ZIB 2 v 24 2O ,2oo & 2? "73 2/; i" ,zs 224 238 154 FIG. l3

BY WILLIAM Q. PENDLEY FIG. l4 fimzaxy ATTORNIY June 16, 1964 w. Q. PENDLEY 3,137,494

SIGNATURE GATHERING MACHINES v Filed Nov. 29. 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 my m E225 -274- 223 if FIG. I5

INVENTOR.

WILLIAM O. PENDLEY A1 TOR N CY United States Patent 3,137,494 SIGNATURE GATHERING MACHINES William Q. Pendley, 38 Hazelrig Drive SE., Atlanta, Ga. Filed Nov. 29, 1956, Ser. No. 625,140 Claims. (Cl. 270-58) This invention relates'to a signature gathering machine 1 3,137,494 Patented June {16 196}! nature or sheet gathering machine which operates in an arcuate path in a limited space.

A further object of the invention is toprovide a signature or sheet .gathering'machine which engages sheets and particularly to a machine of this sort for use in the of paper or the like into a composite group but these machines are quite complex and the better known operate on a lineal arrangement of pulling the sheets from a moving line. Such machines are very expensive and are beyond the reach of the ordinary catalogue bindery or small book publisher. A definite demand has existed for time for a signature gathering machine of more simple arrangement and which can be adapted to handle small numbers of signatures in a small floor space rather than being practical in use only in a large fioor space as in the case of the larger machines. The present invention presents such a machine. A machine of the instant. invention with an 8 foot diameter can handle 16 stations.

Generally described, without regards to scope of patent coverage and therefore without this beinga restriction thereon, the machine is organized and arranged for oper .rangement operating in conjunction with the picking up ation in a circular motion using a basic circular table on V a of the machine 1n FlG.'1-

which is located any number of individual signature stations near the outer periphery of the table in sequence arcuately spaced from each other. The table is rotatably supported about a column which is mounted and supported on a sub-frame assembly beneath the table and the sub-frame has wheels thereon winch support the table in its rotary movement. A power friction drive on the sub-frame drives the table slowly in rotation. Corresponding to each station on the table is a station signature lift device comprisingone or more conventional vacuum or sub-combinations thereof.

I tion will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,

in succession to lift and distribute them in proper. sequence to a stacked condition. s j

- Another object of this invention is to provide a sheet or signature gathering machine with provision for prevent? ing an incomplete stack from occuring where one or more of the sheets were missed-in sequence. In this machine, once the sorting of the sheets starts the proper sequence matically creases further gathering. v s

Still another important feature of this invention is found in the arrangement whereby all the individual stacks of must remain accurate every time or the machine autoidentical sheets or signatures remain still on the base mem;

her and the base memberis moved arcuately for thepicking up and the delivery of the sheets or signatures tothe stacks of mixed sheets. J

Additional advantages are found in the stacking are of mixed sheets and in the valve arrangement for timing the suction and in other elements of the present invention Other and further objects andadvantagesof inven! wherein 5 FIG. .1 is an isometric view or" the machinefof the pres; I

ent invention with the stack removal device broken away.

FIG. 2 is, a partial, vertical central cross-sectional view ,FIG; 3 is a top plan view of the machine shown in FIG. 1.,

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the valve bottom de tail mounted on the column of the machine.

FIG. Sis a top plan view. of the valve detail shown from pose the sub-frame assembly.

cups positioned for operation against a sheet stock of signatures at the station and each vacuum cupis connected by a line to a central valve device located with onepart on the table and the other part on the center'column. The valve device is adapted in pre -determined timed relation to deliver suction the proper lift device at the time his to engage and lift the top sheet of the; stack. -Also in conjunction with the valve device is a blower line whichv delivers air to a selective individual nozzle located adjacent, each stack for the purpose of separating the'top FIG. ,7 is a bottom plan view' of the valve top detail-t, 7 FIG. 8 is an isometricyiew of the detail shownin' FIG.7. I i V a V I FIG. 9 isan enlarged front elevation view of the suction cup lift device with parts broken away.

sheet as it is lifted. The suction lift device sj are mounted i one thereof has an individual wheel resting on an inner mines the movement of the left devices against the stack of signatures. According to this. arrangement the track times the lift devices and the valve and track are'timed together so that as the tablerotates, the lift device's descend at the and showing its coiitroliaridactuation from 'thejmain m ious valuable and excellently operatingsub-combination elements of the inventionaredescribed herein, such as the;

valve arrangement for delivering the suction andtthestack"70 conveyor device for removing the stacks of sheets.

FIG. 10 is aside FIG.-9.

FIG. 111 isan enlarged side elevation view of the ture blowernoz'zle. I v FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a portionof the cen-' I E ,tral column with the suctionandblowerlines,thereon above the table for vertical movement thereon and each track above the table which track" controls and deter-i W FIG. 13 isfa side elevation 'view of the stacking transfer apparatus forminga part, of said machine; "I

mFIG. 14 is a FIG. 13. g i t, c FIG. lfiisa front end elevation .view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 13 3116.14.

chine table;

A primary object of this invention is to presenta" sig- FIG. 16;,is a diagrammatic view of mechahicalaridelec; i a tric-al controls for the apparatus FIGS. 1 3',*14 and 5 Themachine shown in the stations than would' likely be found lathe commeicial form lof 'the machine. 1 will hereinafter appearjlthef number of these stations may befvaried dependingon the use to; .whichthe "machineiis applied and the, addition;

or stations'is a simple matter; of interposing themi'b e tween those already there andadd ing the tubing nections' fo'r them.-- -It"w ill readily. appear to one skilled,

elevation view of the device" shown in v top plan view of theapparatus shown A Present 'aisgcissg t it Simplified for purpose t ation by p ssentii 157 s cone,

in this art that the construction and operation of the machine shown is the same for the four stations shown as it would be for or more stations.

Referring to the drawings, a circular base table support and conveyor member 28 is supported on and for rotation over a frame assembly 22 and about a central column member 24. Frame assembly 22 is composed of rigidly joined frame members comprising horizontal members 26, vertical members 28, and diagonal strut members 30 welded or otherwise fixedly joined. The base table member 20 is supported on the frame assembly 22 by means 'of caster-type wheels 32 mounted in several spaced positions on top of the frame assembly 22. Base 20 rests on and is supported by these caster Wheels 32 and will rotate freely thereon about the center column 24.

Spaced about the periphery of the table 20 on the flat top 34 thereof are a number of signature or sheet stations 36 defined and located by front abutment posts 37 and a backup plate 38 forming a substantially quadrilateral space into which may be stacked a vertical stack of signature sheets 40. There are four such stations 36 shown in the present embodiment spaced around the entire periphery of the circular table 20 but as will be apparent as many stations as desired may be used. Behind each of the backup plates 38 is a pair of support lift rod members 42, 44 fixed vertically in the face of the flat top 34 and resting on and fixed to said four sets of lift rod members is an upper annular member 46 which connects all of the lift rod members together above the top 34. Mounted on each of the pair of support lift rods 42, 44 is a respective sheet lift device 48 comprising a pair of sleeves 50, 52 slidably mounted on a respective rod 42, 44 and joined by upper transverse member 54- and lower transverse member 56 to form a slidable tubular, boxlike unit (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Protruding from lower member 56 outwardly substantially horizontally is a cup support and conduit member 58 having an inner tubular guide sleeve 60 and an outward tubular guide sleeve 62. Mounted for vertical movement in sleeve 62 is a smaller conduit and vacuum cup support 64 with a vacuum cup 66 operably connected thereon and a similar cup support 68 on sleeve 60 has a vacuum cup 70 thereon. A flexible line 71 connects conduit cup support 64- with conduit 58 and a similar line 73 connects cup support member 68 with conduit 58. In this respect, each station 36 is identical with the same flexible lines 71, 73 connecting the respective cups 66, 70 to the station conduit member 58. Another flexible line 72 connects on the inward end of conduit member 58 and connects it with a rigid conduit member 74 mounted on the top 34; conduit member 74, with a cut-off valve 76 having closing handle 78 and opening projection 80, leads to and connects on a central valve timing and transfer device 82 which will be .de-'

scribed in detail.

Column member 24 is a hollow member resting on a column ground support block 84 under the machine and column has a large column lower portion 86 and a smaller upper portion 88. A blower device 90 powered by a motor 92 has a large blower tube 94 extending therefrom into the column 24 and upwardly therethrough to pro ject from the top portion of the column 24 joining a connection member 96 on which is fixed a flexible blower hose 98 leading to and connected on the valve device 82. Likewise extending into the column 24 from the suction side 100 of an air compressor 102 powered by an electric motor 104 is a suction line or vacuum tube 106 leading upwardly through the column 24 and extending outwardly therefrom at the top thereof. A flexible suction line 108 connect-s on the line 106 and leads to and connects on the valve timing device 82. A second blower, flexible line 110 leads from the member 96 down to a second connection on the valve device 82.

Mounted on struts 112 fixed to the column 24 is a timing, lifting and lowering guide control track 114 of arcuate formation within the upper annular member 46.

Track 114 has a level portion and position 116 and a drop and rise portion and position 118. Extending inwardly from each upper transverse member 54 of each lift device 48 is a wheel support member 120 projecting above the track 114 and having a skate-like wheel 122 mounted for rotation thereon for rolling engagement on the track top. With this arrangement, each lift device 48 will move upwardly and downwardly on the rods 42, 44 according to the movement of its respective wheel 122 on the track 114. As the lift device moves downwardly the vacuum cups 66, 70 descend to the station therebelow to rest in downward position upon the top of a stack of signature sheets 40 stacked at each station 36. At this point where the cups 66, 70 rest on and against a sheet 40, the valve device 82 (as will hereinafter be described in detail) operation is such that a strong vacuum is then applied to the cups 66, 70 thereby picking up the sheet 40 on which they rest. As the sheets 40 move upwardly again along with the wheel 122 travelling upwardly on the track 114 and when the table 20 reaches the proper point, the sheets are accumulated by being dropped onto a conveyor removal apparatus 126 having moving belts 127 powered by a motor 129 and drive belt which project outwardly from the above the table top 34. Sheets 124 are released to the conveyor apparatus 126 by means of suction being broken or terminated at the right time over the belts 128 according to the operation of, the valve device 82. The conveyor removal apparatus 126 will be described further in connection with FIGS. l3, l4, and 15.

Valve Transfer Timing Device (82) The Valve device 82 consists of a bottom, fixed plate 128 of generally rectangular form with a central opening 130 through which the column 24 passes as the plate 128 moves therearound.

Plate 128 is mounted on the table top 34 on top of a number of connection nipples 132 leading to a flexible blower line 134 connected to a blower nozzle 135 for each station 36 and other nipples 136 leading to the conduit 74 of the vacuum lines. Both nipples 132 and 136 are welded or otherwise fixed to the bottom of plate 128 communicating with respective holes 138, in the plate 128 open on the top thereof. of outer holes 138 in communication with the blower lines 134 and inner holes 140 in communication with both the vacuum cups 68, 70. A top valve timing cover 142 has rigidly connected thereto a suction or vacuum nipple 144 in communication with a vacuum opening 146 in and through cover 142 leading into a recessed arcuate groove or transfer chamber 148; and having the main incoming vacuum line 108 connected thereto. Cover 142 also has an air pressure or blower nipple 150 attached thereto in spaced arcuate relation to nipple 144 and in communication-with a blower opening 152 leading into a blower chamber or groove 154 following directly behind and in alignment with groove 148. Grooves 148 and 154-are above and in alignment with the inner holes .140 on plate 82 so that as the plate 82 revolves it passes in succession beneaththe grooves 148 and 154. Another blower nipple 156 is attached to the cover 142 outwardly of nipple 144 and in communication through hole 157 in cover 142 with a recessed chamber or groove 158 which is in alignment with outer holes 138. Main blower line 98 leads nipple 150. I 1

Valve cover 142 is adjustably held in place around column 24 by means of a split clamp collar member 160 held in place by bolts 162. Therefore, its position with respect to column 24 and the track 114 may be adjusted to vary the timing therebetween to give as accurate a relationship'as desired. Cover 142 is to slidably engage the top of plate 82 and is mounted on the column so as to touch the top of plate 82 with a close fit. A light coat of oil is placed on top of plate 82 to facilitate the move ment of cover 142 slidably thereover. 7

There is, therefore, a group With the foregoing arrangement, a tight communication is formed between the suction line 1133, holes 146,

chamber 148 and the suction holes 140 through the bottom nipples 136, through the suction lines 74, 72 for each station 36 to each of the suction cups 66, 76. When suction is temporarily on a particular station 36 the cups 66,

70 at that station will pick up a sheet 46 and .retain same until suction is broken. Likewise, following suction through line 108 is the small blower formed by vacuum line 159 through hole 152, chamber 154, the same hole 149, through lines 74, 72 to the same cups 66, 70. When the small blower communicates with the suction cups, any sheet 48 still stuck thereon is immediately blown therefrom. This serves as a positive release for disengaging sheets for release. The large blower line 8 leads through the nipple 156 through hole 157 and chamber 158 with a tight transfer of air to the large holes 138 in succession on the plate 128, through the bottom nipples 132, through the lines 134 to a respective blower nozzle 135 positioned at the side of each stack of sheets 41). As is seen in FIG. 11, the blower nozzle 135 is a closed, 'cylindrical member with a side slot 163 through which air is emitted under pressure against the sideof the'stacked sheets '49 thereby ruliling the sheets appart so that the lifting of the uppermost sheet is accomplished without sticking. I

The operation of the valve device 82 is timed with the slant and raised positions 116, 118 of the track 114 so that suction is applied to the right station 36 just as the cups 66, 76 are dropped onto a sheet 40 to engage and stick to same. Likewise, the timing and positioning of valve cover 142 is such that the station 36 with the sheet stuck thereon releases the sheet by broken suction just as the sheet is over the belt 127 and at that time the air blast through the small air line 150 and chamber 154 connects with the suction cups 66, 70 to blast the sheet 40 therefrom. i

(see FIG. 6) under the t'able driving a shaft 174 mounted on frame 22 by a belt 176. Shaft 174 has a rotatable friction wheel 17 8 thereon with cylindrical friction surface which engages the bottom surface of thetable 2i) and drives it around column 24 at a more orles's constant speed.

' from movement, friction drive wheel 178 merely spins thereon without damage. Motor 172 is on a direct circuit with the line cuirent and has no particular control circuit other'than the simple line switch 173.

Stack Transfer In FIGS. 13 through 16, is shown the stack transfer device 200, part. of the accumulatorapparatus which remediately in front of the lower end of conveyor 126and j consists of a frame assembly 204 with horizontal mem-' bers 266, vertical members 208, transverse members 210, and inclined upper frame members 211, rigidly connected together to form a boxlike openfraine having a front As a unique safety factor, chamber 148 is made by its arcuate length to cover and communicate with more than one hole 140 at the same time, thereby making it neces sary that the first, or lead, hole 140 have suction thereon (by having a sheet stuck thereto) or else the next hole 149, and the station 36 in connection therewith cannot pick-up the sheet on which it rests and engages because suction is also lost on that hole. By this arrangement, if the first lead station 136 from hole 140 failsto make proper engagement with a sheet stack (due to a wet sheet or stuck sheet or the like) the next station 36 through hole 140 which is also in communication with valve chain-i her 148 cannot pick-up any sheets andthen'the next hole I has no suction and so on until the condition is corrected.

This prevents the making of an incomplete book caused by one station 36 failing to pick-up. Therefore, if any erated by a manual switch 165 to drop down into the.

path of the handles 78 and to strike and close same as the entire table 29moves around. Solenoid plunger .164

is then released'by hand release; of the switch 165 and the projections 86, which now have been rotated into the.

path of a rigid rod 166 fastened by bracket-168 on the frame 46, are struckby the rod. 166 as the table 20 continues to rotate thereby rotating the handles 78 and'returna underneath the bottom of table top 34.

transverse drive shaft 212 thereon with opposed drive sprockets214, 216 and a rear driven shaft 218 with sprockets 220, 222 thereon. A chain 223 connects sprockets 214 and 220 and a similar chain 225 connects sprockets 216 and 222. Mounted outside of frame member211 on one end of shaft 212 is. a driven gear 224 and mounted on a stub shaft 226 in a bearing 228 on side frame member 266 is a driving gear230 in driving engage-t ment with driven gear 224; Splined on shaft; 226 with gear 230 is a circular ratchet gear 232 and mounted in movable engagement with shaft 226 is ailongcrank arm 5 member 234 having a pawl 236 thereon pivoted one pin 235 on crank 234, Pawl 236 engages the teeth in rachet gear 232. and will rotate the gear 232-ias-the crankl234 moves upwardly.

Crank 234' is confined for-movement in a bracketi237' 7 comprising a plate 238 mounted by screws 239 on inclined frame member 211 and a'guide member 242 fixed there'on in spaced relation about said crankv arm 234. V

Mounted at the top ofplate 238 is an air release: valve a crank arm234 and'cylinder 248 moves, against; a spring 256; Cylinder248 receives selectively a burst of air froman air line' 258 connectedwith an electricgsolenoidfair valve 260 receiving a supply of air under pressure from an air line 262 supplied b'y' any conventional aircco m-" pressor 263., The electric air-valve, control 260,- which is well-known, is actuated bya' solenoid therein connected by wires 264to amicro-switch-266 mounted on-frame 1 22 and contactible by a switch spring arm 268'r '1ounted' Referring to the diagrammatic ope1'ation'-FIG.-' l-6,it is seerr'that when the switch 266is contacted wine-arm v 268,;as' thetablereaches a prdeterniinedposition at the end of one book- Inakiiig ccycle,' theswitch' 266 is ac'tuat ing the valves 76' in succession to normal open position;

starting when the first bookstation' is picking up. By this arrangement, suctionisagain restored in the chamber 168 because'one hole 14%) below is closed off by valve 76' being closed while the other hole 140 therebelow is wheels -32'by means of a friction drive 1'70 consisting of an independent drive electric motor 172 with switch 173 ed to, temporarily operatje the salmon-airtime- 260th'ereby 'supplyingaburst ofair-intdthe cylinder 248 which drives the air piston-rod 252 upwardly toward'the' topof' i the machine to-the'dotted linesiin FIG. 13. Them'ove-i f nient of pistonrod 2'52 moves the crank arm 234. a 'lim itedamount sufiicient to engage pawl 226 with a tooth; on rachetgear 232 and torot'atethe gear 2 32 one'tooths' distance, thereby driving-"gean228 which i A gear 224 which infurh inovesjshaft 212 tod sprockets 214, 216 which drive panes 223, 225 and jsprocke't sporcket for chain*225 on the 220 and a corresponding other side (not shown).

:Chains 2 235, 225 have upstanding fingers :riiounted 1 transversely ispaced thereon and longitudinally spaced In the event anything'jams the table 20,

turn-drives, ,i

along the chains to form hook positions 272 in which one complete book is stacked. The chains 223, 225 and the gears 230, 232, 224 are calibrated and timed with the switch 266 to advance one book 202 on the chains 223, 225 upon reaching the last signature station 36 on the table 34 by each cycle of the arm 234. Therefore the table 34 starts and picks up from the first signature station through the last station whereupon the stack transfer moves one book position upon receiving the last sheet.

After crank arm 234 moves the distance of one rachet tooth of rachet 232 it strikes the valve 244 thereby releasing the air in piston cylinder 248 which permits, by gravity and the spring 256, the piston 252 to return to down position. 7

The top of the stack device 200 has a cover board 272 thereon with upper surface 274 having slots 275 to accommodate the fingers 270 and the receiving end of the machine has a feed board 276 with small rubber tired pressure Wheels 278 on brackets 280 held by a pair of rods 282. The signature sheets being fed in alignment from conveyor 126 are fed through the space beneath wheels 278 and dropped on the cover board 272 in a stack until a complete book stack has been made at which time the switch 266 actuates the piston 252 to move the fingers 270 against the stack thereby moving the stacks up the inclined device to be removed by hand from the upper end beneath the feed board 276. At this time the next successive space between the fingers 270 starts receiving the next stack and so on in succession as long as the machine is delivering the signature sheets 40. After chains 223, 225 have moved one interval of rachet 232, they continue on around in such successive motions beneath the feedboard 276 withthe fingers 270 and travel back to bottom position in a continuous fashion around to the top to receive more stacks. In this manner, the operation is continuous in response to the rachet 232 and pawl 226. The movement is instantaneous and the next successive stack starts immediately. If desired, two stacking machines may be employed in gang.

In the diagrammatic control system of FIG. l6,'it is seen that a momentary closing of switch 266 by spring arm 268 (immediately upon releasing the last signature sheet in a book) energizes the solenoid control valve 260 permitting air from compressor apparatus 263 to enter cylinder 248 thereby driving arm 234 which drives gear 228 until arm 234 strikes release valve 244 thereby returning piston 252 to normal position.

Overall Machine Operation The machine operation, which is covered in detail in the foregoing discussion, is summed up by the following: to place the machine ready for operation, each station 36 is loaded with a vertical stack of signature sheets 40 and the sheets are arranged counter-clockwise in succession in sequence according to the desired sequence for the ultimate book stack. Station No. 1 would be arranged to pick up at the proper position on track 114 and to drop first over conveyor 126, according to the position of portion 118 of track 114 and the location of switch 266, simply by placing the stacks initially in the proper order.

Line switch 173 is closed to start motor 172 thereby driving table constantly and continuously. Immediately thereafter station No.1 lowers on track 114 to engage the top sheet in its stack 40 therebeneath and at that time valve device 82 delivers suction to the cups 66, 70, lifting against the top sheet and holding same until station No. 1 rises again on track 114 to a position over conveyor 126 at which time valve 82 drops suction on cups 66, 70 and delivers a short burst of air through the cups 66, 70 blowing the sheet onto the conveyor where it is delivered to the feedboard 276 and into a stack 40 at position 272 and so on with continuous successive sheets and stations behind No. 1 until a complete book is made at the stacking device 200, at which time switch 266 is actuated at table top 34 to operate stacking device 200't0 move to another book stack position and so on in succession as long as the machine is operated and as long as therev are sheets 40 for making book stacks. As stated above in detail, if at any time any station fails to pick up its sheet 40 valve 82 responds to this condition by not picking up at every following station until the condition is corrected through the valves 76. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to make an incomplete book as long as the machine is initially set-up properly.

While I have gone into great detail in describing the machine shown in the drawings with much particularity, this specification and drawing of details is not to be construed as any sort of limitation on the scope of coverage of invention since many and various alterations, substitutions, eliminations, modifications, changes, reversals, and

other additions or designs may be made in the embodiment shown and described without departing from the scope of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for gathering signature sheets and the like from a plurality of individual stacks into identical groups of mixed sheets stacked in sequence, as when gathereing the individual pages of a book into the complete book, comprising, a base, an endless sheet conveyor means travelling in a pre-determined arcuate path on said base so as to be returned on each complete cycle of movement to its beginning point and having a plurality of individual sheet stations with said sheet stacks spaced in sequence thereon thereby providing individual sheet stacks travelling in a fixed position with said endless means, a sheet transfer means movable adjacent each sheet station and stack for engaging and moving a sheet from its respective stack during continuous movement of said endless member, there being one of said transfer means for each of said sheet stations, a vacuum sheet engaging member on each of said transfer means for engaging a respective sheet and for temporarily holding same as sheets are moved respectively in sequence, first control means associated with said endless means and each of said transfer means for controlling the sequence of movement thereof thereby controlling said means to move said sheets in proper sequence, a vacuum line for each of said vacuum members, a main vacuum line, a central vacuum valve transfer and timing means operating between said main line and said other vacuum lines and comprising a central valve inlet receiving said main vacuum line in closed communication therewith, a connecting chamber between and in closed communication with said central valve inlet and selectively timed in communication with at least one of a plurality of the inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members at such time as vacuum is delivered to that particular vacuum sheet engaging chamber and said inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members, whereby at least one of said vacuum lines is selected for suction according to the relative position of said chamber and said inlets, and whereby those vacuum lines for those vacuum members not receiving suction are not in communication with said central inlet, and means for receiving and accumulating said mixed groupof sheets in sequence, said first control means and said central vacuum valve transfer and timing means being timed in synchronization to engage sheets in sequence and to hold and transfer same, in response to the timed vacuum from said central vacuum valve transfer and timing means.

2. Apparatus for gathering signature sheets and the like from a plurality of individual stacks into identical groups of mixed sheets stacked in proper sequence, as when gathering the individual pages of'a book into the complete book, comprising, a base, anendless sheet conveyor means travelling in a pre-determined arcuate path on said base so as to be returned on each complete cycle of movement to its beginning point and having a plurality of individual sheet stations with said sheet stacks spaced in sequence thereon, thereby providing individual sheet stackstravelling in a fixed position with said endless means, a sheet transfer means movable adjacent each sheet. station and stack for engaging and moving a sheet from its-respective stack during continuous movement of said endless member, there being one of said transfer means for each of said sheet stations, a vacuum sheet engaging member on each of said transfer means for engaging a respective sheet and for temporarily holding same as sheets-are moved respectively in sequence, an actuating member on each of said transfer means, a control guide means, for said actuating members to controlthe movement thereof, said control guide means being positioned with respect to said endless member so asrto guide said actuating members for operation to move said sheet transfer means into position for said vacuum member to engage said sheet, a vacuum line for each, of said vacuum members, a main vacuum line, a central vacuum valve transfer means mounted for operation between said main line and said other vacuum lines to time and control the vacuum delivered to any given sheet engaging member on a respective transfer means and comprising a central valve inlet receiving said main vacuum line in closed communication therewith, a connecting chamber between and in closed communication with said central valve inlet and selectively timed in communication with at least one of a plurality of the inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members at such time as vacuum is delivered to that particular vacuum sheet engaging member, there being relative motion between said connecting chamber and said inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members, whereby at least one of said vacuum lines is selected for suction according to the'relative position of said 'cham ber and said inlets and whereby those vacuum members not receiving suction are not in communication with said central inlet, said control guide means ands'aid valvetrans fer means being synchronized with each other and timed with the position of said endles member to engage sheets in proper sequence and to hold and transfer same, and a sheet receiving and accumulating means associated with said endless member to receive sheets in sequence into a mixed stack. s

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said control guide means is a memberlocated continuous adjacent portions of the path of travel of said endles means and having actuating positions thereon, and said actuating members are actuated upon coming into engagement with said actuat ing positions on said member.

4. Apparatus for gathering signature sheets and the like from a plurality of individual stacks into identical groups of mixed sheets 'stacked'in proper sequence, as when gathering the individual pages of a book into the complete pages of the book in sequence, comprising: a base frame, an endless conveyor means travellingin a pre-determined arcuate path in a closed are on said base so as to be returned on each complete arcof travel cycle to its beginning point and having'a plurality of individual sheet stations accommodating sheet stacks travelling in a t v 10 gaging and lifting a sheet when suction is delivered thereto, an inlet for each of said vacuum members, a central vacuum timing means mounted with said endless member in association with said sheet moving control when said endles means is moving comprising a central valve inlet receiyingsaid main vacuum line in closed communication therewifll, aconneoting chamber between and in closed communication withsaid central valve inlet and selectively timed in communication with atleast one of a plurality of the inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members at, such time as vacuum is delivered to that particular vacuum sheet engaging'membe'r, there be- 7 ing relative motion between said connecting chamber and of'release, and means for accumulating said sequence of delivered sheets in'amixed stack. 1

5. Apparatus for gathering signature sheets and the like from a plurality of individual stacks into identical groups of mixedsheets stacked in proper sequence, as when gathering theindividual pages of a book into the complete pages of the book in sequence, comprising: a base frame, anendless conveyor means travelling in a predetermined arcuate path in a'closed arc on said base was to be returned on eachcomplete arc of travel cycle' to its beginning point and having a plurality of individual sheet stations accommodating sheet stackstravelling in a fixed position thereon, said sheet stacks being arranged in stacks of' substantially vertically disposed sheets with individual stacks spaced in sequence of desired succession ,along'the arc of "said endles conveyor, a vacuum sheet transfer device movably mounted for operation adjacent each of said sheet stations, a vacuum line operatively con nected, with each offsaid respective vacuum devicesfa track timing member mounted on said frame and extending'coextensively with said endless means for'at 'leasta portion of the arc thereof and having portions thereof'out of, alignment with other portions thereby causing said 7 track to run in other'than a single plane, a control'sup fixed position thereon, said sheet stacks being arranged in stacks of substantially vertically disposed'sheets with individual stacks spaced in sequence of desired succession,

along the arc of said endless conveyor, a sheet transfer device mounted for operation'adjace'nt each of said sheet and a timing plate mounted' with said endless member in I ;omrnunicable vacuum relation with said cover when said I endless ,meansis moving, said timing'plate receiving all of stations and including vacuum suction means to engage and lift a sheet, a track timing membermounted onsaid:

frame and extending coextensivelywithsaid endless means for at least a portion of the arc thereof and having por tions thereof out of alignment with other portions thereby causing said track to run in other than a single plane; Y a control support member on each of said transfer devices port member on each of said transfer devices adaptedto move said cup supportimember in response to movements imparted thereto, said control supportvhavinga portion thereof contacting and followingsaid track thereby being 7 in response to.the changes in ,directionthereof whereby said control support'is moved by'saidchange'of'track, a I

mainvacuumline for all of said'wacuum' lines, a'valve control device .having a valve timing'coverlmounted on said frame in communication with, said main vacuum line the vacuum lines for saidrespective'transfer devices and movingto receiveselectively"vacuum from said main line and to transfersaid vacuum without loss'sel'ectively -to{one' of'said vacuuni devices, said valve control device'jandsaid', I

transfer members being timed, and synchronized withfeach otherandv said endless means to deliver suction to said a respective vacuum devices when said cups engage a sheetv to move same and 'to terminate suction'when said; sheet has reached deliveryposition of release, and means for accumulating said sequence of delivered sheets; ina mixed stackfxm f v r v t 6. Apparatus like from a plurality of individual stacks into identical vice having a portion thereofmounted on s aid frame, a

vacuum member on each of said control devices for en groups of mixed sheets stacked in' proper sequence, as when gathering the individualpages of 'a book into the complete pages of thebook in sequence, comp rising{a base V u for gathering signature-sheets and the frame, an endless conveyor means travelling in a pre-determined arcuate path on said base so as to be returned on each complete cycle of movement to its beginning point and having a plurality of individual sheet stations accommodating sheet stacks travelling in a fixed position thereon, said stacks being arranged in proper sequence along said endless means, a sheet transfer device mounted for movement adjacent each of said endless means and adapted to engage sheets in succession on said endless means as said endless means moves continuously past a fixed point on said base, there being a sheet transfer member adjacent each of said sheet stations on said endless member, a substantially vertically movable lift support member on said transfer member, a vacuum suction member supported by each of said respective lift support members and being substantially vertically movable into engagement with the top sheet of the stack respectively adjacent thereto thereby engaging said sheet to lift same from its stack, a control support member on each of said respective transfer members, a control track mounted adjacent said endless means and extending in places sub stantially coextensively therewith, said control track having first position and other positions out of alignment therewith representing sheet engagement positions, said control support members in contact to travel along said track member and to change position in response to the positions thereon whereby said vacuum suction members are lowered to the respective top sheet by movement thereof, a vacuum line for each of said vacuum members, a main vacuum line for delivering suction to all of said vacuum lines, a valve control device having a valve timing cover inlet fixedly mounted on said frame and a timing plate mounted on said endless member in communicable vacuum relation with said cover when moving, said timing plate receiving all of the vacuum lines for said respective transfer devices and being adapted to selectively receive vacuum from said cover and distribute same to the proper transfer vacuum member, said vacuum valve control device and said transfer members being timed and synchronized with each other and said endless means to deliver suction to said respective vacuum suction members when said members engage a sheet to move same and to terminate suction when said sheet has reached delivery position of release, and an accumulating position on said machine.

' 7. Apparatus for gathering signature sheets and the like from a plurality of individual stacks into identical groups of mixed sheets stacked in proper sequence, as when gathering the individual pages of a book in to the complete pages of the book in sequence, comprising, an endless conveyor means travelling in a pre-determined arcuate path on said base so as to be returned on each complete cycle of movement to its beginning point and having a plurality of individual sheet stations accommodating sheet stacks travelling in a fixed position thereon, a sheet transfer device mounted for movement adjacent said endless means and adapted to engage sheets in succession on said endless member as said endless member moves continuously past a fixed point on said base, said transfer member being movable into engagement with said sheet and movable with said sheet from its stack, vacuum support member on said transfer device supporting a vacuum member for engagement with one of the sheets in any stack adjacent said transfer means to engage and temporarily hold said sheet, a control means on said base adapted to move said'transfer member and said vacuum member into engagement with a sheet and to move said transfer means with said sheet from its stack, a main vacuum line, a valve means comprising a central valve inlet receiving said main vacuum line in closed communication therewith, a connecting chamber between and in closed communication with said central valve inlet and selectively timed in communication with at least one of said vacuum members at such time as vacuum is delivered to that particular vacuum sheet engaging member, there 12 being relative motion between said connecting chamber and said inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members, whereby at least one of said vacuum lines is selected for suction according to the relative position of said chamber and said inlets, and whereby those vacuum members not receiving suction are not in communication with said central inlet, said valve means being synchronized with timing means and said transfer means so that suction is applied and maintained when said vacuum member engages said sheetand said transfer means moves the vacuum member and the sheet and so that suction, is broken when said sheet is moved from its stack to the position of accumulation of mixed sheets, and a sheet group accumulating position on said base at which sheets are received in sequence and retained until a complete book, comprising, a base, an endlesssheet conveyor means travelling in a pre-determined arcuate path on said base so as to be returned on each complete cycleof movement to its beginning point and having a plurality of individual sheet stations accommodating sheet stacks travelling in a fixed position-with said endless means, a sheet transfer means movable adjacent each sheet station and stack for engaging said sheet stacks spaced in sequence thereon and moving sheets in sequence from its respec- I tive stack during continuous movement of said endless member, a vacuum sheet engaging member on each of said transfer means for engaging said sheets and for temporarily holding same until movement is complete as sheets are moved respectively in sequence, first control means associated with said endless means and said transfer means for controlling the movement thereof thereby controlling the transfer of sheets in sequence, a vacuum line for each of said vacuum members on said transfer means, a main vacuum line, a central vacuum control valve selectively operable to control the application of vacuum on said line and the loss of vacuum, comprising a central valve inlet receiving said main vacuum line in closed communication therewith, a closed connecting chamber between and in communication with said central valve inlet and selectively timed in communication with at least one of a plurality of the inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members at such time as vacuum is delivered to that particular vacuum sheet engaging.

member, there being relative motion between said connecting chamber and said individual vacuum lines for said vacuum members, whereby at least one of said vacuum lines is selected for suction according to the relative position of said chamber and said inlets, andwhereby those vacuum members not receiving suction are not in communication with :said central inlet, said vacuum member holding sheets by means of the suction and releasing said sheets upon the termination of said vacuum, said control means and said vacuum valve being synchronized with each other and timed with said endless member so that vacuum is applied when sheets are engaged and moved and vacuum is terminated, when sheets are positionedfor release, and a sheet receiving and accumulating means for receiving said sheets insequence into a mixed stack, said endless member transporting said stacks for removal of individual sheets thereon at said accumulating means and continuing in endless operation to effectuate removal of complete mixed groups upon each cycle of m'ovementthereof. a

9. Apparatus for gathering signature sheets and the like from a plurality of individual stacks into identical groups of mixed sheets stacked in proper sequence, as when gathering the individual pages of a book into the cor'nplete along "the arc of said endless conveyor, a sh at stations and having a substantially vertical guide and supment adjacent each of said endless means and adapted i to engage sheets in succession on said endless member as said endless membermoves continuously past a fixed point on said base, there being a sheet transfer member adjacent each of said sheet stations on said endless means, a vacuum member supported by each of said transfer members, said transfer members being movable to bring said vacuum member into engagement with enact the sheets in the respective stack thereby and being movable with said sheet from said stack, atransfer control member mounted on each of said transfer members, a transfer control guide mounted on said frame and having positions thereon in pre-determined relation to said stations and engageable with each of said transfer control mem-' bers as said transfer control members move withsaid endless member, certain of said guide positions rep'resenting sheet engaging positions and other positions representing sheet moving positions so that the position at which said transfer member engages said guide member control the operation of saidtransfer means, a vacuum a line for each of said vacuum members, a main vacuum line, a vacuum control valve between said main line and said other lines selectively delivering suction to said respective vacuum member at the proper time to engage said sheet and comprising a central valve inlet receiving said main vacuum line in closed communication there with, a closed connecting chamber between and in[com-- munication with said central valve inlet and selectively timed in communication with at least one of a plurality of the inlets for said vacuum lines for said vacuum members at such time as vacuum is delivered to that part cular vacuum sheet engaging member, there being relative motion between said connecting chamber and said indi vidual vacuum lines for said vacuum members, whereby at least one of said vacuum lines is selected for suction according to the relative position of said chamber and 10. The device in claim 9 including means associated with said vacuum control valve for preventing the suction port member, a cup support member mounted for. substantial vert1cal movement on each of, said respective vertical guide and support members, 'a'vacuum cup mounted on each of'said respective cup support members,

a vacuum, line. operatively connectedwith each of said respective vacuum cups, said "cup support being positioned with a portion thereof above said sheet stack and said;v

vacuum cup thereon being positioned thereon for dropp ng into engagement with one of said sheets in said stack and with successive sheets thereon, a track timing m r ounted onsaid frame and extending coexten- I thereto, said control support having a"portion thereof contacting and following said track thereby being .in response to the changes in direction thereof whereby said control supportis'moved by said change oftrack, a main vacuum line for all ofsaid vacuum lines, a valve control devicem'ounted on said frame in communication with said main vacuum line and adaptedtoreceive selectively vacuum from said main line and to transfer said vacuum without lossselectively to one of said vacuum cups,' and compris ng a' central valve inlet receiving said main vacuum llnein closed communication therewith, a; closed connecting'chamber between and in communicatioh; with a said centralvalve inlet and selectively timed in communication with atleast one of aplurality of thevacuum lines for said vacuum cups at such time a sivacuum is delivered to that particular vacuum sheet engaging cup,.

there being relative motionfbetween' said connecting chamber and said vacuum lines for. said vacuum cups,

wherebyat least one of saidjvacuum lines'is' selected for.

suction'according to the relative position of said chamber and sa d inlets," and wherebythose" vacuum members not recelvmgs'uction are not in communication with said cen tral inlet, said vacuumcontrol valve devicefland said transfer members being timed and synchronized'with each .oth'er and said endless means to deliver suction to said I respective vacuum cup when said cups engage a sheet to "move'sarne and to terminate suction when said sheet'has reached delivery position ofrrelease, and means; for accu= mulating said sequence of delivered sheets in a mixed from being applied to a subsequent sheet where a previ- V ous sheet has failed to be picked up, by causing a loss in vacuum through said main vacuum line and through said connecting chamber and through the respective inlet to the vacuum member which did not pick-up thereby breaking the suction to the next valve inlet which is opened to said connecting chamber which has already:

been opened to the atmosphere'through said vacuum so as to be returned on each complete arc of travel cycle stack. a v 12. Apparatus for gathering signature sheets and' the like'from a plurality of individual stacks into identical groups of mixed sheets stacked in proper sequence, as

when gathering the individual pages of a book into the complete pages of the book in sequence, comprising: a

base frame, an endless conveyor means travelling ina to its beginning point and havingfaplurality of individual sheetstations accommodating sheet stacks travelling in a fixed position thereon; said sheet stacks being "arranged in stacks of substantially verticallyQdisposedsheets with individual stacks spaced in sequence of desired. succession along the arc of said endless, conveyor, a sheet transfer tical movement on each of said'respective vertical' guide and support members, a-vacuum cup mounted on each to its beginning point and having a plurality of individual sheet stations accommodating sheet stacks travelling in a fixed position thereon, said sheet stacks being arranged in stacks of substantially vertically disposed sheets with of said respective cup suppo'rtmembers, avacuum line operatively connected with each of said respective vacuum cups, said cup support being positionediwith a poreet trans fer 7 device mounted for operation adjacent eachof said sheet successive sheets thereon, a track timing member mounted on said frame and extending coextensively with said endless means for at least a portion of the arc thereof and having portions thereof out of alignment with other portions thereby causing said track to run in other than a single plane, a control support member on each of said transfer devices adapted to move said cup support member in response to movements imparted thereto, said control support having a portion thereof contacting and following said track thereby being in response to the changes in direction thereof whereby said control support is moved by said change of track, a main Vacuum line for all of said vacuum lines, a valve control device having a valve timing cover mounted on said frame in communication with said main vacuum line and a timing plate mounted with said endless member in communicable vacuum relation with said cover when said endless means is moving, said timing plate receiving all of the vacuum lines for said respective transfer devices and moving to receive selectively vacuum from said main line and to transfer said vacuum without loss selectively to one of said vacuum cups, said valve control device and said transfer members being timed and synchronized with each other and said endless means to deliver suction to said respective vacuum cup when said cups engage a sheet to move same and to terminate suction when said sheet has reached delivery position of release, and means for accumulating said sequence of delivered sheets in a mixed stack. J

13. In a timing device for distributing vacuum or pressure from a central line to a plurality of moving lines, a valve device having a valve cover, a main line in communication With an opening through said cover, said cover having said opening therein in position to distribute from said incoming line, a recessed chamber formed in said cover into which said opening leads, as vacuum timing plate mounted with said moving lines, a conduit connection on said plate with each of said lines to which vacuum or pressure is to be distributed, an opening in said timing plate for each of said conduit connections and said openings being exposed on said plate to communi cate with said valve cover, said valve chamber having a planar surface, said timing plate having a planar surface juxtapositioned in close association with the planar surface of said cover whereby said plate is movable about said cover, and means on said timing device for preventing operation of subsequent lines when there has been a failure to communicate properly on a preceding line.

14. In a timing device for distributing vacuum or pressure from a central line to a plurality of moving lines,

16 a valve device having a valve cover, a. main line in communication with said cover, a means on said cover to transfer from said main line, a vacuum timing plate mounted with said moving lines, a conduit connection with each of said lines to which vacuum or pressure is to be distributed, an opening in said timing plate for each of said conduit connections and said openings being eio posed on said plate to communicate with said valve cover, said valve cover having a planar surface, said timing plate having a planar surface juxtapositioned in close associa-r tion with the planar surface of said cover whereby said plate is movable about said cover to communicate therewith, means on said timing device causing loss in subsequent lines Where there has been a loss in the preceding line thereby preventing further operation beyond initial cover having said opening therein in position to distribute from said incoming line, a recessed chamber formed in said cover into which said opening leads, a vacuum timing plate mounted with said moving lines, a conduit connection on said plate with each of said lines to which vacuum or pressure is to be distributed, an opening in said timing plate for each of said conduit connections and said openings being exposed on said plate to com municate with said valve cover, said valve chamber having a planar surface, said timing plate having a planar surface juxtapositioned in close association with the planar surface of said cover whereby said plate is movable about said cover, and said chamber in said cover being in communication with more than one of said conduit connections openings in said plate whereby loss of vacuum or pressure in one of said openings causes loss of vacuum or pressure in the other opening in communication with said chamber at that time thereby assuring a proper communication of said first openings prior to the operation of the opening thereafter.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Gray et al. Apr. 17, 1956 

1. APPARATUS FOR GATHERING SIGNATURE SHEETS AND THE LIKE FROM A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL STACKS INTO IDENTICAL GROUPS OF MIXED SHEETS STACKED IN SEQUENCE, AS WHEN GATHERING THE INDIVIDUAL PAGES OF A BOOK INTO THE COMPLETE BOOK, COMPRISING, A BASE, AN ENDLESS SHEET CONVEYOR MEANS TRAVELLING IN A PRE-DETERMINED ARCUATE PATH ON SAID BASE SO AS TO BE RETURNED ON EACH COMPLETE CYCLE OF MOVEMENT TO ITS BEGINNING POINT AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL SHEET STATIONS WITH SAID SHEET STACKS SPACED IN SEQUENCE THEREON THEREBY PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL SHEET STACKS TRAVELLING IN A FIXED POSITION WITH SAID ENDLESS MEANS, A SHEET TRANSFER MEANS MOVABLE ADJACENT EACH SHEET STATION AND STACK FOR ENGAGING AND MOVING A SHEET FROM ITS RESPECTIVE STACK DURING CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT OF SAID ENDLESS MEMBER, THERE BEING ONE OF SAID TRANSFER MEANS FOR EACH OF SAID SHEET STATIONS, A VACUUM SHEET ENGAGING MEMBER ON EACH OF SAID TRANSFER MEANS FOR ENGAGING A RESPECTIVE SHEET AND FOR TEMPORARILY HOLDING SAME AS SHEETS ARE MOVED RESPECTIVELY IN SEQUENCE, FIRST CONTROL MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID ENDLESS MEANS AND EACH OF SAID TRANSFER MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE SEQUENCE OF MOVEMENT THEREOF THEREBY CONTROLLING SAID MEANS TO MOVE SAID SHEETS IN PROPER SEQUENCE, A VACUUM LINE FOR EACH OF SAID VACUUM MEMBERS, A MAIN VACUUM LINE, A CENTRAL VACUUM VALVE TRANSFER AND TIMING MEANS OPERATING BETWEEN SAID MAIN LINE AND SAID OTHER VACUUM LINES AND COMPRISING A CENTRAL VALVE INLET RECEIVING SAID MAIN VACUUM LINE IN CLOSED COMMUNICATION THEREWITH, A CONNECTING CHAMBER BETWEEN AND IN CLOSED COMMUNICATION WITH SAID CENTRAL VALVE INLET AND 